Vision

Encountering the Risen Christ

Encountering the Risen Christ

Fearful Reaction

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.'”Revelation 1:17 (NIV)

In this verse, we witness John’s powerful encounter with the risen Christ.

Overwhelmed by the vision before him, John falls to the ground in fear, as if he were dead.

Reassuring Touch

But in that moment of trembling, Christ reaches out and touches John, offering a comforting and reassuring presence.

With His right hand upon John, Jesus speaks words of comfort and reassurance, dispelling the fear that had overtaken him.

Overcoming of Fear

Fear is a common human experience, one that can paralyze us and prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence.

But in this encounter, we see that fear does not have to have the final word. Christ, in His power and authority, reminds us that we need not be afraid.

Abiding Presence

As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that the same Christ who reassured John is with us still. His presence is not limited to a single moment in history, but is an abiding reality that we can access through faith.

When fear threatens to overwhelm us, we can turn to Christ and experience His reassuring touch and His comforting words.

May we, like John, encounter the risen Christ in all His power and glory. And may we find the courage to overcome our fears, drawing strength from His abiding presence and His promise that He is with us always, even to the end of the age.




~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
Set Your Mind on Things Above

Set Your Mind on Things Above

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

Transcending the Temporal

As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to become consumed by earthly concerns – jobs, money, possessions, problems.

These things demand our attention and weigh heavily on our minds. However, Paul exhorts us to lift our thoughts above the temporal things of this world.

Rather than focusing downward on the fleeting things on earth, we are called to gaze upward and set our minds on the eternal realities of God’s kingdom.

We must transcend the temporal mindset that traps us in trivial anxieties. Our perspective should be heavenly, not earthly.

Visualizing Our Eternal Destiny

What does it mean to set our minds on things above? Certainly we must think deeply about our Lord – His character, His promises, His works. But more so, we must visualize by faith the glorious future that awaits all God’s children.

Picture in your mind the splendors of heaven – the radiance, the joy, the beauty beyond measure. Envision the coming Day when you’ll see Christ face to face, perfected in His presence.

When our thoughts are occupied and enthralled by these coming eternal realities, our earthly troubles fade into proper perspective.

Living in Light of Eternity

Setting our minds above transforms how we live each day. Material possessions lose their grip as we realize our true treasures await in heaven.

Status and fame seem foolish pursuits when our names are already written for eternity in God’s book.

Even painful earthly troubles become light and momentary when weighed against the coming glory. By keeping our eyes fixed on the unseen eternal world, we can walk through this present darkness with hope, courage and purpose.




~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Thankfulness
Clarity is Coming

Clarity is Coming

1 Corinthians 13:12For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Like nearsighted folks squinting to read a blurry eye chart, our current understanding of God, others, and ourselves is obscured and incomplete.

We grasp only fragments of truth as if peering dimly through a fogged-up window. Our vision is obstructed.

The Great Reveal

But take heart! The day is coming when the haze will lift and everything will be crystal clear. We’ll know God deeply, see ourselves honestly, and comprehend life’s mysteries. Puzzling pieces will perfectly fit together. Questions will be answered.

Preparing Our Eyes

Though our view is unclear now, we can still pursue truth and wisdom through prayerful study and reflection.

We believe God will gradually reveal more of Himself in the waiting. Let’s focus our gaze on seeing rightly.

Eyes Fixed Ahead

Cling to the promise that one day the obscuring glass will be removed and we’ll see face-to-face in dazzling high-definition.

Until then, we walk by faith, not yet sight. Our hope remains – perfect vision is coming!

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Get Up . . . It’s a NEW DAY!

Get Up . . . It’s a NEW DAY!

It is easy to fall into a boring routine if we are not careful. I do not know how many times I have walked into the nearby convenience store to grab morning coffee and bump into an old acquaintance.

 

The standard greeting; “Hi, how are you doing today?” unfortunately the common reply is usually something like; “Same stuff, different day” or “another day, another dollar” or some other variation.

 

Have you ever felt like that? It is an easy trap to fall in. I would like to encourage you to think differently today as you begin the new week . . . it IS NEW!

 

Think of this; the day you about to embark on has NEVER been lived before; it is NEW. As you head out the door, look for it! Look for the blessing of God. Look for His fingerprints on the day ahead; you will find them!

 

Ask God to reveal Himself to you today; ask Him to give you a new vision and clarity of heart and mind; you will be surprised at what you see! Hang on . . . this is going to be good!

 

Lamentations 3:21-23

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, Holiness, Humility, Thankfulness, Trust, 0 comments